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The Asbury Park City Council addressed a number of regulatory parking matters during its Nov. 8 meetings. Below is a snapshot:

Holiday Free Metered Parking

With an incentive to encourage business in the downtown and waterfront, the Asbury Park City Council approved free Saturday metered parking. Free parking will extend from noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23.  

Parking Regulations Retooled

The City Council has introduced an ordinance that places on record the need for motorists to park 25 feet away from a crosswalk, side line of a street or intersecting highway, as well as maintaining 50 feet from a “stop” sign within a school zone when school is in session. The changes make it clear that the City is not required to install or maintain any markings or signs.

Transportation Manager Michael Manzella said the ordinance falls in line with current state laws.

“All we are doing is adding legal parking spaces,” he said. “Currently, State law states that you cannot park within 25 feet of a crosswalk or intersecting street, and 50 feet from a stop sign.  We are putting forward the ordinance to change the parking distance from a stop sign from 50 feet to 25 feet, except within a school zone, which the State allows municipalities to do.”

Changes To Parking Guideline

A parking ordinance shifts guidelines to include angled parking on Summerfield west of Main Street, the removal of time limits and parking prohibitions on Emory Street, handicapped parking on Park Avenue, metered parking extension on Deal Lake Drive between Webb Street and Park Avenue, and fee and regulation updates for residential and employee parking permits east of Main Street.

Valet Parking

The City will begin vetting valet parking to alleviate parking congestion in the downtown zone known as the Central Business District. Currently venues like Pascal and Sabine on Bangs Avenue and the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel offer valet service during the busy tourist season.

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